In a harrowing and brave act of maternal instinct, Sonal Karagale, a resident of Thorandale village in Ambegaon taluka, Pune, heroically fought off a leopard attempting to snatch her seven-month-old child in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Sonal, who belongs to the Shephard community, along with her husband Dhondibhau and their son Deva, was temporarily staying at a farm in the village with their livestock when the heart-stopping incident took place. As Sonal was nurturing her child, she suddenly found herself face to face with a leopard, which was attempting to drag her baby away from her protective arms. With unwavering courage, Sonal managed to grasp her child’s foot, thwarting the leopard’s perilous efforts. Despite sustaining injuries during the ordeal, Sonal’s valor prevailed, ultimately saving her child from a potentially tragic fate.
The incident has left the entire village in awe of Sonal’s bravery, and it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between humans and leopards in the region. Local authorities and Forest Department officials have been alerted to this persistent issue and have visited the scene to assess the situation. In response to the villagers’ requests, steps are being considered to install proper cages in the vicinity to capture the leopard and address the concerns of local farmers, thus enhancing safety in the region.
This extraordinary act of maternal courage exemplifies the indomitable spirit of mothers who will go to great lengths to protect their children, even in the face of imminent danger. Sonal’s bravery in the face of adversity has not only saved her child but also serves as an inspiration to the community and beyond.
